Thoughts on Roy

He could always say no.
That was always the risk/danger of Pierre Lacroix’s gamble of reaching out to Patrick Roy to take over his team – while he still had a coach in place, Tony Granato.
I’m still working the story today as to why the Roy deal fell apart, but I’m sure there will be speculation that he turned down the Avs’ offer for more than just family reasons.

But there was always the chance Roy was going to turn this thing down. I’m sure Pierre Lacroix would have loved it if none of his meeting with him a few weeks ago had gotten out to the press (sorry Pierre), but it did, and that made this a higher-stakes game after that.

If Roy turned him down, Lacroix would have to go to Granato and try to smooth this over somehow. How he’s going to do that, I have no idea. I have no idea if Granato is even going to be the coach still. I hope to find that out at some point today.

Lacroix gambled and lost. That’s not something we’re used to saying here in Avs-Ville. Lacroix has always gotten what he’s wanted, so to not get Roy in this case is a blow to his reputation. The Avs might try to spin this, that the whole thing with Roy was only exploratory and that it was never meant to go public and yadda yadda. The semantics of the word “offer” became part of this story, and still subject to spin.

Did Roy have a laser-printed, Fed Ex-ed contract offer, with numbers in black in white in front of him? Maybe not. Maybe Roy had to just say yes to Lacroix to want to be the coach before it got to that stage. But Roy said to yours truly himself today that, well yes, he had an offer to coach the team. Whether it was formalized in black and white on paper, maybe we’ll never know.

This obviously has turned out badly for the Avs. They still have no GM, by the way, and the draft is about a month away. I still think Craig Billington has the inside track on the job, but we’ll just have to see when they announce who it’s actually going to be.

Roy turning down the job could mean the Avs also lost their best shot at getting Swedish goalie Jonas Gustavsson to play here. And maybe it is the clincher, too, for Joe Sakic to want to call it quits.

But there is good news: I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance.

*Update: On top of this news, Pierre Lacroix had to undergo a surgical procedure this morning, after a complication developed on the recent surgery he had on his knee. Lacroix underwent a full knee replacement. Bad day, indeed.

Hopefully that announcement will include a clarification on Granatos new position within the organization.

Dario

Hopefully that announcement will include a clarification on Granatos new position within the organization.

Tucker

No doubt, there is going to have to be a press conference soon. I can almost guarantee Gustavsson will not be here next year. Now, we have to choose between two decent skating FA’s or a decent goalie and questionable offensive talent. Its gonna be a tough year indeed. Hopefully there are enough of us fans left to stick it out.

Tucker

No doubt, there is going to have to be a press conference soon. I can almost guarantee Gustavsson will not be here next year. Now, we have to choose between two decent skating FA’s or a decent goalie and questionable offensive talent. Its gonna be a tough year indeed. Hopefully there are enough of us fans left to stick it out.

Perry S

I just can’t see Granato staying with the Avs at this point. The Avs need to save face – fire Granato (he still gets his paycheck for his contract), hire a new coach immediately (give him full priviledges to interview for assistants), and then immediately announce Billington as temporary GM.

Its as easy as that…

Perry S

I just can’t see Granato staying with the Avs at this point. The Avs need to save face – fire Granato (he still gets his paycheck for his contract), hire a new coach immediately (give him full priviledges to interview for assistants), and then immediately announce Billington as temporary GM.

Its as easy as that…

Ken J.

I think you mean that it’s ANOTHER blow Lacroix’s reputation/ego. It started with the Drury trade and took a huge dump when he quietly forced Moore, a guy who had his neck broken for this club, out the door, persona non grata. You didn’t see the Wings do that to Konstantinov. Add on the complete bungling of the salary cap, poor drafting, and hiring of coaches, and you almost have the NY Islanders. I think it’s long past time for Lacroix to go.

Ken J.

I think you mean that it’s ANOTHER blow Lacroix’s reputation/ego. It started with the Drury trade and took a huge dump when he quietly forced Moore, a guy who had his neck broken for this club, out the door, persona non grata. You didn’t see the Wings do that to Konstantinov. Add on the complete bungling of the salary cap, poor drafting, and hiring of coaches, and you almost have the NY Islanders. I think it’s long past time for Lacroix to go.

Gurn Blanston

Its bad enough that nobody in the Avs organization wants to keep its fan base interested in the decision making process, even if its to send out trial balloons or false information. But its much worse if further news coming out regarding GM/coach/etc. is being postponed due to the Nuggets still playing. If that is true then its a sad day for the Avs local reputation among their core fans. Lacroix has played this badly. It may be his worst string of decisions since being named GM back in Quebec. Its NHL hockey, not matters of national security. Let the fans in on what’s going on so they don’t stop caring. While I don’t think Lacroix will get the ax for this since Kronke has NBA on the brain right now, I think over time it will sink in that Lacroix no longer has what it takes to manage this team.

As long as the Avs are on this bad decision bender, I hear Mike Kennan is looking for work.

Gurn Blanston

Its bad enough that nobody in the Avs organization wants to keep its fan base interested in the decision making process, even if its to send out trial balloons or false information. But its much worse if further news coming out regarding GM/coach/etc. is being postponed due to the Nuggets still playing. If that is true then its a sad day for the Avs local reputation among their core fans. Lacroix has played this badly. It may be his worst string of decisions since being named GM back in Quebec. Its NHL hockey, not matters of national security. Let the fans in on what’s going on so they don’t stop caring. While I don’t think Lacroix will get the ax for this since Kronke has NBA on the brain right now, I think over time it will sink in that Lacroix no longer has what it takes to manage this team.

As long as the Avs are on this bad decision bender, I hear Mike Kennan is looking for work.

Deano

I’ll preface by saying that I think it was a pretty poorly managed situation and I do actually like Tony Granato a lot and feel he was treated unfairly.

However, what about it? He’s a big boy. He knows the NHL is not a G rated movie and shouldn’t let his feelings get hurt here. In fact, the smart ones don’t let their feelings get involved. It’s a business to the guys not playing the game and should be treated as such.

What is he going to do now? He’ll do as much as he’s able to do. He’s got one of the greatest jobs in the world that only 30 people get to do every year and get paid boat loads of money to do it. I’ll recognize momentarily there is a better way for this to have been handled but I ain’t shedding any tears for the man.

Granato has got one shot at being a head coach in the NHL and that’s right now. Nobody else is gonna take him for the job so he better cherish it while he can regardless of the circumstances.

And if you’re a half-full kind of guy, and Tony is, he’d look at this as a great challenge and an opportunity to take club out of the cellar under some pretty cloudy skies and also give him an opportunity to prove he belongs as a head coach of this league.

Although I seriously doubt he’ll get the chance.

Deano

I’ll preface by saying that I think it was a pretty poorly managed situation and I do actually like Tony Granato a lot and feel he was treated unfairly.

However, what about it? He’s a big boy. He knows the NHL is not a G rated movie and shouldn’t let his feelings get hurt here. In fact, the smart ones don’t let their feelings get involved. It’s a business to the guys not playing the game and should be treated as such.

What is he going to do now? He’ll do as much as he’s able to do. He’s got one of the greatest jobs in the world that only 30 people get to do every year and get paid boat loads of money to do it. I’ll recognize momentarily there is a better way for this to have been handled but I ain’t shedding any tears for the man.

Granato has got one shot at being a head coach in the NHL and that’s right now. Nobody else is gonna take him for the job so he better cherish it while he can regardless of the circumstances.

And if you’re a half-full kind of guy, and Tony is, he’d look at this as a great challenge and an opportunity to take club out of the cellar under some pretty cloudy skies and also give him an opportunity to prove he belongs as a head coach of this league.

Although I seriously doubt he’ll get the chance.

Scott

hey Adrian why did you take the announcement part out of the update is there not going to be one now today?

Scott

hey Adrian why did you take the announcement part out of the update is there not going to be one now today?

AvsFan13

Patrick good luck waiting for the Montreal Canadians to give you a call. I am sure your dream job will come calling anytime now. I hope Pierre has the sense to hire a GM (Jay Feaster) and a new coach that actually knows what he is doing. Peter Laviolette would be a smart choice. As far as Granato, he should have never been hired, Giguere screwed that up nicely, and he is now looking for work.

AvsFan13

Patrick good luck waiting for the Montreal Canadians to give you a call. I am sure your dream job will come calling anytime now. I hope Pierre has the sense to hire a GM (Jay Feaster) and a new coach that actually knows what he is doing. Peter Laviolette would be a smart choice. As far as Granato, he should have never been hired, Giguere screwed that up nicely, and he is now looking for work.

Hammer

I’m sick of the Nuggets excuse for no action. Other than Enos, doesn’t each team have its own management and support staff?

We got the “No Roy” news today, and I’ll bet it won’t have a second’s impact on the Nuggets game tonight.

Should the lowly Rockies stop playing baseball while the Nuggets are in the playoffs? Should they have moved all the state finals for the Nuggets?

If this organization (loose term) can’t operate while in a playoff position with one of the teams, this whole mess is worse than I thought.

Get people in the open management positions. Get staff hired. Get players signed, especially Lappy. Get rid of the dead wood, and dead, overpaid players. Get a move on to improve the laughing stock of the NHL. It’s not like Enos is in England to give his blessings. He is right here, right now.

At this point, I don’t care if they make more mistakes. Inaction is the biggest mistake they can make.

Of course, they could have clandestinely put everyone in place already. We just won’t know it until the NSA, CIA and FBI clear it for publication.

The only other reason for inaction would be that no one wants to come to an organization that back-doors the coach, only receives limited powers but is expected to do a perfect job, and has to have their lips sewn shut.

Anybody want to buy my season tickets for next season? I didn’t think so.

Hammer

I’m sick of the Nuggets excuse for no action. Other than Enos, doesn’t each team have its own management and support staff?

We got the “No Roy” news today, and I’ll bet it won’t have a second’s impact on the Nuggets game tonight.

Should the lowly Rockies stop playing baseball while the Nuggets are in the playoffs? Should they have moved all the state finals for the Nuggets?

If this organization (loose term) can’t operate while in a playoff position with one of the teams, this whole mess is worse than I thought.

Get people in the open management positions. Get staff hired. Get players signed, especially Lappy. Get rid of the dead wood, and dead, overpaid players. Get a move on to improve the laughing stock of the NHL. It’s not like Enos is in England to give his blessings. He is right here, right now.

At this point, I don’t care if they make more mistakes. Inaction is the biggest mistake they can make.

Of course, they could have clandestinely put everyone in place already. We just won’t know it until the NSA, CIA and FBI clear it for publication.

The only other reason for inaction would be that no one wants to come to an organization that back-doors the coach, only receives limited powers but is expected to do a perfect job, and has to have their lips sewn shut.

Anybody want to buy my season tickets for next season? I didn’t think so.

andy

I hope the thuggets take this series with LA, so maybe Kroenke can get the NBA out of his system, and perhaps start focusing on the avs again. He needs to come in and do some serious ‘spring’ cleaning. No one should be safe (I mean upper managment, and preferably not the roster…not until the managment is spick ‘n’ span)

andy

I hope the thuggets take this series with LA, so maybe Kroenke can get the NBA out of his system, and perhaps start focusing on the avs again. He needs to come in and do some serious ‘spring’ cleaning. No one should be safe (I mean upper managment, and preferably not the roster…not until the managment is spick ‘n’ span)

Jeremy

Now is when things should really get interesting. Where do you go from here? No way Granato can remain on as coach after this. It’s not about his ego/feelings being hurt. It’s about the players in the locker room knowing the organization thinks that this guy is essentially a place holder until the Avs find there real coach.

Not all the players but some will feel like there is no point in buying into anything he has to say because he’s not going to be around long.

I love Roy as much as the next guy and would’ve loved to have seen him get a shot to coach this team. But If the rumor that he was essentially being offered the keys to the entire organization is true, then this is a blessing in disguise. And that fact that Lacroix was willingly to go to that extent to snag Roy proves what his naysayers have been saying all along that he’s out of touch. You don’t want to become the Oakland Raiders of the national hockey league (more concerned with how big of a PR splash you can make) as opposed to making the right move for the long term health of your organization.

Jeremy

Now is when things should really get interesting. Where do you go from here? No way Granato can remain on as coach after this. It’s not about his ego/feelings being hurt. It’s about the players in the locker room knowing the organization thinks that this guy is essentially a place holder until the Avs find there real coach.

Not all the players but some will feel like there is no point in buying into anything he has to say because he’s not going to be around long.

I love Roy as much as the next guy and would’ve loved to have seen him get a shot to coach this team. But If the rumor that he was essentially being offered the keys to the entire organization is true, then this is a blessing in disguise. And that fact that Lacroix was willingly to go to that extent to snag Roy proves what his naysayers have been saying all along that he’s out of touch. You don’t want to become the Oakland Raiders of the national hockey league (more concerned with how big of a PR splash you can make) as opposed to making the right move for the long term health of your organization.

Rob

This once proud franchise has been driven straight into the toilet in just a few years. The Avs have no identity right now. Who’s the coach? Who’s the GM? Who’s the Captain? Who’s the goalie? We’re making Tampa Bay look like a first class organization right now.

I agree with Feaster and Laviiolette being good candidates, but we all know that Pierre won’t look outside the organization. So, Billington will be GM, and Sylvain Lefabre or Joe Sacco from the AHL Monsters will be the new coach, whenever Pierre finally decides to cut the cord with Granato. Granato may not be the greatest coach, but no one deserves to be treated like this. The only reason he hasn’t resigned is he would walk away from the rest of his contact without anything. If he gets fired, he still gets paid.

P.S. Nice job on the scoop Dater. It turned out to be true. You have redeemed yourself from the Forsberg debacle.

Rob

This once proud franchise has been driven straight into the toilet in just a few years. The Avs have no identity right now. Who’s the coach? Who’s the GM? Who’s the Captain? Who’s the goalie? We’re making Tampa Bay look like a first class organization right now.

I agree with Feaster and Laviiolette being good candidates, but we all know that Pierre won’t look outside the organization. So, Billington will be GM, and Sylvain Lefabre or Joe Sacco from the AHL Monsters will be the new coach, whenever Pierre finally decides to cut the cord with Granato. Granato may not be the greatest coach, but no one deserves to be treated like this. The only reason he hasn’t resigned is he would walk away from the rest of his contact without anything. If he gets fired, he still gets paid.

P.S. Nice job on the scoop Dater. It turned out to be true. You have redeemed yourself from the Forsberg debacle.

Pascal P

Bad day for the Avs indeed… Let’s find someone quick and settle this down, without Granato. Sorry but he was not the spirit of the Avs before, what would it be now that he is just a default B choice.
Get things done quickly and start working, there is a season to prepare.

Pascal P

Bad day for the Avs indeed… Let’s find someone quick and settle this down, without Granato. Sorry but he was not the spirit of the Avs before, what would it be now that he is just a default B choice.
Get things done quickly and start working, there is a season to prepare.

JW

i agree with Avsfan13. Laviolette would be a great choice! and Lacroix, will you please make these coach/Gm decisions fast so we can focus on what really matters: our on ice product! thanks.

JW

i agree with Avsfan13. Laviolette would be a great choice! and Lacroix, will you please make these coach/Gm decisions fast so we can focus on what really matters: our on ice product! thanks.

Scott

another reason why he declined it is because he was not offered enough money.

Scott

another reason why he declined it is because he was not offered enough money.

Eric

The whole management is failing. This franchise need to fire everybody and start anew.

Eric

The whole management is failing. This franchise need to fire everybody and start anew.

James

I can’t watch the trio of Granato – Barr – Cloutier again for another year. I just can’t do it.

I thought if the Avs got Roy and Gustavsson, this team had a good shot at being a real shocker next season. But Roy isn’t coming, and Gustavsson might not be coming either after this damn mess.

James

I can’t watch the trio of Granato – Barr – Cloutier again for another year. I just can’t do it.

I thought if the Avs got Roy and Gustavsson, this team had a good shot at being a real shocker next season. But Roy isn’t coming, and Gustavsson might not be coming either after this damn mess.

peterman

Do it right and fire Granato. Or this could be another Cutler thing. Maybe we can trade Granato to Chicago for Quenville and two First round picks. At least we’d get first round picks… :-)

peterman

Do it right and fire Granato. Or this could be another Cutler thing. Maybe we can trade Granato to Chicago for Quenville and two First round picks. At least we’d get first round picks… :-)

Danny

After this, the expectation for Roy to help rejuvenate the franchise and get fans back in the seats was the light at the end of the tunnel, now this only drives more, I’m personally crushed and really could care less what happens to this team now.

Danny

After this, the expectation for Roy to help rejuvenate the franchise and get fans back in the seats was the light at the end of the tunnel, now this only drives more, I’m personally crushed and really could care less what happens to this team now.

rafterman

I think I may be calling it quits on this team too.

rafterman

I think I may be calling it quits on this team too.

Todd

Two questions:

1) If it was about family, why even have the conversation in the first place?

2) Are they still “restructuring”, or are they just gonna look for a GM now?

Todd

Two questions:

1) If it was about family, why even have the conversation in the first place?

2) Are they still “restructuring”, or are they just gonna look for a GM now?

Bob L

The whole deal has been a classless act. If they are in the market for a coach, get rid of the current one first, or at least have the nuts to tell the guy he is on the way out.

Bob L

The whole deal has been a classless act. If they are in the market for a coach, get rid of the current one first, or at least have the nuts to tell the guy he is on the way out.

Carmela

How can you guys quit on the Avs this soon? Yes , they finished last place this season, but they were in the playoffs last season, with basically the same people. Something has gone wrong this year, if small things could be improved, they could at least make it back to the playoffs next year. I know it would take a few more years before they become Stanley Cup contenders again, but you guys are so lucky to have all the chance to watch them play all the time. I, on the other hand, is working my **s off just to see a live game.

I got really disappointed too when I found out about Patty saying no to the Avs, but this is not the end of the road for them. Hopefully, the org has a plan B, or is Granato Plan B?

Carmela

How can you guys quit on the Avs this soon? Yes , they finished last place this season, but they were in the playoffs last season, with basically the same people. Something has gone wrong this year, if small things could be improved, they could at least make it back to the playoffs next year. I know it would take a few more years before they become Stanley Cup contenders again, but you guys are so lucky to have all the chance to watch them play all the time. I, on the other hand, is working my **s off just to see a live game.

I got really disappointed too when I found out about Patty saying no to the Avs, but this is not the end of the road for them. Hopefully, the org has a plan B, or is Granato Plan B?

howard cosell

who ever said it was a blessing in disguise was absolutely right. A couple of years in major junior with your own kids doesnt necessarily make you a major league coach. Roy has always had a huge ego and wanted to coach the Habs not just because they are home but out of some sort of retribution for his departure as a player.

howard cosell

who ever said it was a blessing in disguise was absolutely right. A couple of years in major junior with your own kids doesnt necessarily make you a major league coach. Roy has always had a huge ego and wanted to coach the Habs not just because they are home but out of some sort of retribution for his departure as a player.

DieHard

Why have the last two off season been such a friggen soap opera??

DieHard

Why have the last two off season been such a friggen soap opera??

Thrawn

Carmella,

I’m not one of those hitting the eject button on the Avs like some others, but I do share their frustration with this organization. It really does look as if it has been run into the ground with really bad decisions, (such as draft choices rarely panning out, signing players to expensive contracts and getting little in return) and seemingly weekly apologetic press conferences after a game explaining their best effort was not there that night. Sorry, a lot of that is on Granato. Then you have guys like Laperierre who will probably end up leaving because they are stuck with contracts like Tucker’s. You have first round picks being given up for guys like Adam Foote who are way past their prime.

Combine that with what seems like outright refusal to go outside the organization for top positions. (though some interviews with outsiders did take place, but then why does it look like Billington will get the nod?) Also, how about this team sitting in Salary Cap hell right now? Could you blame Roy for not taking the job, especially considering the high expectations many Avs fans still have? About the only thing they can afford right now is a pack of minor leaguers.

I could go on but I think I have provided enough examples. I DO think it is time for new blood calling the shots. It does not look like that will happen anytime soon. I’m not surprised that many fans are looking to demote themselves as casual fans.

Thrawn

Carmella,

I’m not one of those hitting the eject button on the Avs like some others, but I do share their frustration with this organization. It really does look as if it has been run into the ground with really bad decisions, (such as draft choices rarely panning out, signing players to expensive contracts and getting little in return) and seemingly weekly apologetic press conferences after a game explaining their best effort was not there that night. Sorry, a lot of that is on Granato. Then you have guys like Laperierre who will probably end up leaving because they are stuck with contracts like Tucker’s. You have first round picks being given up for guys like Adam Foote who are way past their prime.

Combine that with what seems like outright refusal to go outside the organization for top positions. (though some interviews with outsiders did take place, but then why does it look like Billington will get the nod?) Also, how about this team sitting in Salary Cap hell right now? Could you blame Roy for not taking the job, especially considering the high expectations many Avs fans still have? About the only thing they can afford right now is a pack of minor leaguers.

I could go on but I think I have provided enough examples. I DO think it is time for new blood calling the shots. It does not look like that will happen anytime soon. I’m not surprised that many fans are looking to demote themselves as casual fans.

Coach M

I think the Avs need to immediately determine who their GM is going to be and leave Granato as the coach for now, pending the new GM’s decision. Once they have a GM, I think they need to first sign an experienced goalie on July 1 for no more than $4.5M/yr (Marty Biron?). This goalie is going to see a lot of shots playing behind a young team, so we shouldn’t expect the young Swedish phenom to handle such a task w/o any NHL experience. The rest of the roster should be filled in with our prospects and leaving $2.5M in cap space available for later in season. The Avs need to sign or promote 4 more Fwds, 2 more D’men and 2 goalies and only have $12M in cap space left, so I say spend $3M on add’l fwds; $1.2M on 6th and 7th d’men and $5.3M on our 2 goalies.

Coach M

I think the Avs need to immediately determine who their GM is going to be and leave Granato as the coach for now, pending the new GM’s decision. Once they have a GM, I think they need to first sign an experienced goalie on July 1 for no more than $4.5M/yr (Marty Biron?). This goalie is going to see a lot of shots playing behind a young team, so we shouldn’t expect the young Swedish phenom to handle such a task w/o any NHL experience. The rest of the roster should be filled in with our prospects and leaving $2.5M in cap space available for later in season. The Avs need to sign or promote 4 more Fwds, 2 more D’men and 2 goalies and only have $12M in cap space left, so I say spend $3M on add’l fwds; $1.2M on 6th and 7th d’men and $5.3M on our 2 goalies.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.